Applying for a Housing Exemption

Question

What if I don't want to live on campus? 

What is a housing exemption?

How do I apply for a housing exemption?

How likely is it the my exemption will be approved?

Answer

1. Students are required by the South Dakota Board of Regents policy to live on campus for the first two years following their high school graduation. If students have extenuating circumstances, they must apply for a housing exemption.
   • Note: Academic Year Contract exemptions must be submitted by July 15th. Spring Only Contract exemptions must be submitted by December 15th. If the student is admitted later than these dates, they will have 10 calendar days to submit a request
2. Housing exemptions can either release students from their housing contract, or request special accommodations pertaining to their circumstances. These are approved or denied on a case-by-case basis dependent on documentation submitted and other relevant factors.
3. To apply for a housing exemption, students will first need to select which type of exemption they will be applying for. There is a list of exemption requests and outlines at the bottom of the Housing Policies & Forms page on the USD website. The options include:
   • Financial Need
   • Medical, Psychological, or Disability
   • Sorority and Fraternity
   • University Sponsored Program
   • Commuting from Home
     • Note: Commuter Exemptions must be submitted prior to signing a housing contract. If the student has already signed a housing contract, the exemption request will be denied.
   • Withdrawing from USD
   • Graduating from USD
   • Marriage
   • Legal Dependent
4. After identifying which exemption best fits the student's needs, students will apply for a housing exemption. This form is found in the University Housing Portal.
5. Depending on the type of exemption, it may take 2-6 weeks for the exemption to be processed.
   • Note: Processing time begins after University Housing receives all necessary documentation and will take longer if the documentation received is not adequate or complete.
6. After a decision is reached, students are notified via email. If an exemption is denied, students have 5 days to appeal that decision with the Director of University Housing.
7. There is no way for University Housing to quantify how likely it is that an exemption will get approved. The approval or denial of a housing exemption is solely based on the requirements outlined for each exemption and the university's ability to accommodate students' needs.
   • Note: University Housing recommends that students do not sign an off-campus lease until their exemption is approved.